Ebay buying and selling experiences with not honest people

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did you lose money to dishonest seller/buyer on ebay?

  • Yes

    Votes: 25 69.4%
  • No

    Votes: 11 30.6%

  • Total voters
    36

patnor1011

Well-known member
Joined
May 22, 2008
Messages
4,253
Location
limerick
As title suggest. We all whether buying or selling come across dishonest people who try to take advantage and make quick buck on your expense. I am not talking about simple things when somebody bid and then never pay. It is mostly that you bought something, sent money and never received anything or received something different. Or on the other side when you sell something and then buyer demand refund when he will never return item or return something different etc. You know what I mean.

I just want to know if we can use this thread to warn fellow members about people who do this - of course in a safe way like not to publish whole name or whole address but at least something what may help others to avoid being scammed by crooks.
Lets discuss a bit about what may be sound and helpful I am not interested in publishing some kind of black list with names and addresses but definitely want to warn people mainly those of us who are selling intellectual property kind of material. Many members here sell their ebooks, manuals, videos and it is very easy to be on short side when dealing with paypal or ebay.
 
While I feel the thread has interesting potential, I wonder if the scope is just a bit broad - for both selling (which we do a lot of) and buying (rarely).

To answer if we have "ever" had a bad deal - I think that is near impossible to ever get a 'No' answer, if someone is doing deals regularly - whether on eBay or any other venue. I'd have to say that, overall, I have more 'bad' (in these broad terms) deals dealing on craigslist and/or simply in person (even with repeat transactions) than ever on eBay.

That's one of the things I like (and at the same time, dislike...) about eBay - you never have 'hard-core' negotiations, simply say what it is you are selling, put it at a 'cringe' selling price (where you hate to let it go, but get something out of it) and let it go from there. Once sold (and paid for, of course...), just send the right thing packed correctly to the right address (seems that is where many have a LOT of problems - but, to me, that just says they should not be in that business!) - pretty simple stuff.

Now, I'm not defending eBay and the constantly rising fees (we pay ~$400 a month now...), but as far as "trouble", I have to say ours has been very minimal (only 3 cases in 12 years - and all on <$10 items....).

So, my 'vote' would have to be 'Yes' (it has happened), but do I feel it is a bad place because of it, I'd have to answer 'No'.
 
I don't (currently) sell e-books on eBay, but I do sell them via paypal (on direct websites like my MakingMoneyFromJunk link in the sig line).

The GREAT part about that is, Paypal NEVER sides with the buyer on a digital product! I say "GREAT" because of those that wish to simply steal the info and get a refund, etc. - not for those that have a legitimate gripe - I'm happy to give a refund for that (although I have never had anyone that didn't like my books).

The only complaints I've ever had was "not as advertised", because of one line I have in there saying that you should watch yourself in buying circuit boards because they can be a time waster (something like that). Two people have come back on me about that because I have videos teaching about finding circuit boards in computers, etc., but Paypal has stood behind me - not only for the fact that the statement clearly is "be careful", not "never do this", but also for the fact that Paypal simply does not give refunds for ebooks (something to both be happy about if you are selling, but also to be leery about if you are buying!)

One way to make sure you don't have this on eBay (and several other credit card companies) is to make sure you also send a PHYSICAL piece with the sale - whether it is simply a printout of the product, or even written instructions to go to a link with the download. The KEY piece of this is to make sure you get a signature and/or delivery tracking info (a 'must have' - even though it costs more!). When you have it delivered by a third party with some sort of confirmation, then the 'not received' complaint is pretty hard to justify and even eBay "should" side with you (though I have seen that they don't - another reason I have quit doing too many <$10 sales!)

Sorry you had a bad experience, though I hope some of this will help you in future dealings. I'm happy to listen to the details of what you had happen and if there is anything else I can think of that might help you sell better, I'll let you know.
 
I'd like to make public my thoughts on the matter of posting in regards to less than acceptable transactions, and I am not concerned where they take place. The following comments are NOT directed to anyone in particular (Pat should not take anything said here personally, and I know he won't, as he and I are comfortable with one another).

When a reader, here, has a negative experience in either buying or selling, I am perfectly comfortable with the transaction being posted. The caveat is that I would expect that the entire matter be posted factually, with no attempt to guide the readers. So long as one states fact, readers are free to form their own opinions, and to learn of others who are less than honorable.

Readers should understand that these are my views, and may or may not represent those of the rightful owner of the board, or those of other moderators.

As a moderator, should I encounter a post from anyone who goes on the attack, name calling, or leading readers, I'd be inclined to respond poorly. Keep that in mind if you choose to make such a post. Stick to the facts, and state them politely. It's well known that a word spoken softly often has a greater impact than one shouted in anger.

Harold
 
I received a PM from Patnor, in which he stated that the issue at hand that triggered this thread has been resolved. He requested that the thread be deleted, but I'm going to leave it, removing only comments that pertain to the issue that triggered his post. I truly feel that his idea has merit---that readers should be advised of others who are less than honest, who appear to be using copyrighted information (the property of others) for gain, or who are, by other means, short changing folks with whom they interact.

If, after I have deleted select posts, you folks think the thread should be deleted, please make your thoughts known by posting. I believe this thread can be quite valuable. Could be wrong.

Harold
 
Thanks Harold. I see now that MMFJ also spent his valuable time reacting here and gave me and fellow readers sound advice. I have no problem with thread as it is now, I believe nobody can be offended if it will stay as it is now.
 
patnor1011 said:
Thanks Harold. I see now that MMFJ also spent his valuable time reacting here and gave me and fellow readers sound advice. I have no problem with thread as it is now, I believe nobody cant be offended if it will stay as it is now.
You're most welcome, my friend.

Harold
 
I have well over 3,000 feedback on eBay, 100% positive in the last twelve months, and have only had two issues that I can recall.

Both were simple delivery issues on the part of the USPS and, in both instances, the PayPal seller protection worked to my advantage.

It would be nice if the fees were lower, I figure 12-13% as my total eBay and PayPal cost, but I get exposure that I could not get elsewhere. If I sell through my local auction house they will take 20% if I bring items to them, 25% if they have to come pick them up. Comparatively, I'll stick with eBay.

The best advice I can give as a seller is to be as thorough as possible in your description of what is for sale. Take good pictures and package your item carefully so it arrives at its destination safely.
 
I was burned real bad on Ebay once. I bought a item and never received it. This was back when ebay was just starting out no paypal to open a dispute with ect. Another time I bought 2 items from to different people a ring and bracelet ( I knew the price was cheep but I was going to take a gamble). They were both fake but I got my money back so no loss. When I first started trying to refine waste for gold I bought some " Very high yield scrap " There were pictures but you really could not see much. Well I received some very well picked over junk cards with no fingers ect. This is just my opinion unless you find some one that dose not know what they have or dose not know how to write a description its going to be hard to find a deal. I was surprised once when the mint set of coins I bought turned out to be a sliver proof set.


etc., not ect.

Harold
 
i saw on msn that the founder of paypal is funding the the privately owned space transport vehicles. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elon_Musk

how much money can one person have before they build a spaceship?
 
Geo said:
i saw on msn that the founder of paypal is funding the the privately owned space transport vehicles. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elon_Musk

how much money can one person have before they build a spaceship?
Money that comes from "protecting those who pay them - the sellers....." - kinda like "casinos are built so opulently because they pay out so much to the gamblers..." :!:

I gotta find me a marketing twist(ed) term like that! (the top one, to me, is still from Realtors that say "the seller pays the closing costs" - who puts that money in the seller's hands? I'll never get over that one!)
 
Yes, my issue with eBay / Paypal are the fees. 12% is just too high, in my opinion.

That said, pretty much every problem I've had - and there haven't been many - has been related to item description. Not to any particular attempt to mislead, I don't think.
 
I actually sold jewelry I had accrued on Ebay recently. All 18 sets of Brighton Jewelry sold in 24 hours. It was kind of exciting to see it all going to quickly, but also a little stressful gettng it all packed up safely to ship. I would definitely do it again. Craigslist is kind of scary to me since you have to meet face to face with people, but my boyfriend has done it many times, he just meets them outside of home.
 
Just added one more dishonest ebay member from italy to my black list of blocked bidders. Updated list of ebay users I had unpleasant experience, people who claimed that they did not received item sometimes posted several times, feedback extortionists and such, can be posted to pm of any member who want it.
 
I was restricted from selling on eBay.
After two months I finally got through to some one who could look at my case,They instantly apologized and said the system had flagged me for a violation that had not occurred.
They removed all restrictions on my account and emailed the client's who had been affected.
But I processed quite a bit of kit that would have made a little more with them,I am still trying to work out what level of profit I have to suspect before it is worth the hole effort of Photographing the item and listing it,then packing it,and the worst thing which is the hardest to put a calculable value on is the interaction with random members of the public.
looking at the hole trade or process issue I have to say I am starting to lean towards processing just about every thing instead of using eBay.
The tax office paper"Notice 701/21 Gold January 2013" points out a very interesting fact about the treatment of any business dealing in Au.
As Long as you are processing for investment bullion it is a V.A.T. free activity you are completely V.A.T. exempt , if you are trading items it is a V.A.T. activity.
I am researching at the moment if one can recoup the V.A.T. from the cost's of equipment and premises .
But from what I can see there are some real advantages in keeping you refining and trading businesses apart if not in location at least in business liability.
On the hole I think eBay is a good out let.But I always make sure I have an independent witness who see's me pack my high value items',just in case some one is silly enough to try as they have.
They always back down once you out line the proof you have and point out you will happily have them prosecuted for attempting to obtain money or good's through deception.
I have had it the other way as well when I found a lot which was meat to have 18ct only had 9ct scrap.I returned it and the seller tried to say I had kept a piece.
Luckily I open all my post under a C.C.T.V. system so when she saw the video of a post man handing me the parcel and me unpacking it on a clean desk she backed down.
The problem is the same as in any business where you have to interact with the public,the human race is extremely divers and has a large predatory element.
Stay safe make a little money or come up with a way to process even disagreeable patron's
 
Add a small note to every package you send out....

"The content of this package has been photographed for your protection."

Göran
 
Im pretty cautious & have used Ebay from the beginning,
Needless to say I was sold a fake Walking Liberty last yr. & didn't realize it till this month. Ebay only has a 30 day protection plan. I had a coin dealer show me the way to detect a forgery.
He said mine was one of the best he had ever seen. I now own a $70 paperweight. It was supposed to be a 1986 cameo....................
Its weight was perfect but the date looked a bit odd & the crosshatch pattern on the ladt Liberty cloth was different, thought I had a miss strike...............I filed it & yep, copper inside. :roll:
What im saying is if it has PM in it get it checked quickly to be certain its the real deal if anything looks odd about it. This is the first time ive been had on a fake coin.
I will say the buyer protection plan did save me over $350 last yr. on a item tho so im for it.
Dave
 
i have bought from a person selling different items then posted
bad feedback & official complaints got me my money back and a free item
 
Wish I could be so fortunate but 30 days is it.
I should have compared it closer to my real Libertys. The Eagle & shield is upside down when flipped compared to a real coin. I didn't notice that till a dealer showed me.
The seller hasn't been back online since January so who knows. Im just glad it wasn't a larger purchase. :roll:
Dave
 
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